Cardiff City

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Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says Wales captain Aaron Ramsey is available for Saturday's Championship game against Bristol City at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Ramsey missed five months through injury before returning for the Bluebirds' FA Cup fourth-round win over Stoke City last weekend, but did not feature as Cardiff slipped to a midweek defeat at Portsmouth.

The loss at Fratton Park means Cardiff are only two points clear of the Championship relegation zone ahead of the Severnside derby, which has come to mean a great deal to supporters of both clubs.

With just six points separating seven clubs at the bottom of the division, Riza says Ramsey's availability could a key factor for his side.

"We have to manage the players correctly. The games are coming thick and fast, everyone has the same problem, you can't select the same players for every game," he said.

"Aaron played in the FA Cup and couldn't be involved in the game after.

"He will be available for Saturday and we will see what selection we come up with."

Riza says Cardiff will be without winger Ollie Tanner who has a fractured foot and midfielder Alex Robertson, who has picked up a hamstring injury.

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza says Aaron Ramsey's fitness will have to be "managed accordingly" after his latest return from injury.

The Wales captain was not included in Cardiff's matchday squad for the 2-1 defeat against Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

Ramsey, 34, played 63 minutes in the FA Cup win against Stoke City last Saturday, his first appearance since injuring his hamstring while playing for Wales last September.

"He's been out for five months, he's had a lot of injuries," Riza said.

"The plan for him is not to go game after game after game - he's not able to do it at present.

"We have to manage him accordingly which I've said many times."

Ramsey only made seven league starts and six substitute appearances for Cardiff last season in a campaign ruined by a knee problem.

The former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder looked to have turned a corner this season as he started Cardiff's first four Championship matches, before he suffered a hamstring injury playing for Wales in their 2-1 win against Montenegro.

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza hopes his return to the touchline can help instigate an upturn in form for his team.

Riza has had to watch the Bluebirds' past three games from the stands following his red card towards the end of last month's 3-0 win over Swansea City.

Having been on an eight-match unbeaten run, Cardiff have not fared so well since Riza's touchline ban, with a 7-0 thrashing at Leeds and Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth coming either side of last weekend's FA Cup win at Stoke on penalties.

The loss to relegation rivals Pompey was the third and final match of Riza's suspension, and he will return to the dugout on Saturday when Cardiff host Bristol City.

When he was asked if his return to the touchline might help his team rediscover their winning touch, Riza told BBC Radio Wales: "I'd like to think so. I hope so.

"It's been hard up there for three games but the boys, the coaches, have been brilliant while I've been away. It's my fault – I acknowledge that. We've got Bristol City at home on Saturday and we need to pick up points."

Defeat at Portsmouth saw Cardiff slip to 20th in the Championship table, where they are now only two points clear of the relegation zone.

"I told my players we can do better, we can play better than that," Riza added.

"Now we've made it hard work for ourselves again. Now we've got to go back with our tails between our legs and get ready for the game on Saturday."

The draw for the FA Cup fifth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties involving Championship teams left in the competition.

Games will be played over the first weekend of March.

• Aston Villa v Cardiff City

• Crystal Palace v Millwall

• Manchester City v Plymouth

• Preston North End v Burnley

You can find the full draw here.

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Boss Omer Riza reckons Cardiff City's Stoke City spirit could be a turning point for their season as they prepare to take on survival rivals Portsmouth.

The Bluebirds made it through to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in more than a decade when they beat the Potters on penalties and have been rewarded with a March trip to Premier League Aston Villa.

Cardiff have not been in the last-16 since 2014 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but – having thrown away a two goal lead at the Bet265 Stadium - booked their place after coming from behind to level the tie 3-3 before going through on spot kicks.

Riza knows full well, with his team still only three points above the drop zone, focus has to be on retaining the club's Championship status.

But he says not only does cup success propel the momentum built up since the turn of the year – with just one defeat in ten - but it underlines the unity now in the squad.

Cardiff's only loss since Boxing Day was the previous weekend's 7-0 trouncing at Leeds, but Riza said: "Leeds was disappointing and embarrassing to a certain extent - but it can happen. They were rampant on the day and punished every mistake; for me they will be champions unless they do something silly.

"But we've put a line under it. We came through extra time [at Stoke] and we will have to recover properly – but the togetherness it brought is more important. Coming through that on the pitch, the subs that were made, the starters, that togetherness can see us through to the end of the season.

"It could be a real big turning point for us; we're already doing well, but that togetherness we showed is really important."

Portsmouth – a place and a point behind the Bluebirds in 19th - welcome Cardiff to Fratton Park without a win in four, including a 5-1 defeat at West Brom.

But they did manage a goalless draw with promotion-chasing Burnley and were edged out by second-placed Sheffield United on Saturday.

"We have a game in hand but we will go there with no other intention other than to win," Riza said, who will again be absent from the touchline as part of a three-game ban for his red card against Swansea City.

"It's 11 years since we've gone this far in the cup, it brings the fans and the club together, but now we're focusing on what's coming on Tuesday,

"The cup is good for morale but it's about momentum and we want to be ready for league games.

"It will be a real tough battle, they've been very good at home - but we know what we've got to do."

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Cardiff City's FA Cup win over Stoke City shows they are starting to answer their critics, according to former captain Jason Perry.

Bluebirds icon Perry has been among those to air his worries over his old side after a season of struggles.

That included claiming Omer Riza's men looked "like a side that were going to get relegated" when they were beaten at Oxford United on Boxing Day to leave them nine games without a win.

But they have lost just once since then – albeit in a 7-0 hammering last weekend at Leeds – and Perry says the spirit and fight showed in a topsy-turvy fourth round tie at Stoke suggested they have what it takes to put behind them any lingering fears.

Cardiff progressed to the fifth round on penalties having led 2-0 only to concede three times before levelling.

And, speaking on BBC Radio Wales Sport, Perry said: "What a game of football, both sides were superb, end to end stuff, such an entertaining and exciting game of football.

"It had absolutely everything - and Cardiff's performance was outstanding, especially in the first-half.

"With the ball, without the ball, all the things we questioned them about. The way they went hunting for the ball, we've said they were passive in their press but they were right at it.

"And when their character was tested they gave an answer, got themselves back in it, and that character shone through in the penalties."

Cardiff will be in the hat for Monday's draw having reached the last-16 of the competition for the first time since 2014.

But their priority will remain easing away from relegation worries in the Championship, starting with Tuesday's visit to a Portsmouth side just one point and one place below them in the table.

Cardiff, in 19th, are still only three points clear of the bottom three, and Perry said: "They did all the things we've questioned in the past [at Stoke].

"Now the challenge for these players is consistency - can they do it on a consistent basis?

"There were loads of positive and this will do them the world of good."

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Cardiff City could be without defender Jesper Daland for Tuesday's visit to Championship relegation rivals Portsmouth.

The Norwegian suffered a leg injury shortly after making a substitute appearance during Saturday's FA Cup win at Stoke City - an incident which also saw the player give away a penalty after he collided with forward Emre Tezgel.

The 25-year-old had to be replaced and was helped off the pitch by medical staff.

"Jesper says he kicked the ball and hasn't kicked the man, who has caught his leg. It was quite a nasty one," said Cardiff manager Omer Riza.

"It can happen, the downside to the cup game with injuries, but we've got a squad and the boys have got to get on with it."

The Bluebirds face a quick turnaround after extra time and penalties at Stoke but Riza is confident his team can cope.

"We'll recover properly," he said. "I think the togetherness is more important, coming through that [against Stoke], all the subs that were made and all the players that started.

"That togetherness to see us through to the end of the season - that could be a big turning point for us. We're already doing well but that togetherness is really important.

"Portsmouth lost to Sheffield United [in the Championship] so we've got one game in hand over them.

"We want to win every game, we'll go there with no other intention than to win. It's going to be a real tough battle, we know that, they've been really good at home but we know what we've got to do".

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Ethan Horvath hopes his penalty shootout save in Cardiff City's FA Cup win at Stoke City can further his case for more regular first-team action.

After Saturday's game had finished 3-3 after extra time, Horvath made what proved to be the decisive save in the shootout from Michael Rose and Rubin Colwill converted his spot-kick to send Omer Riza's team through to the fifth round.

Horvath had come into the Cardiff team at Stoke as one of nine changes, having lost his starting place in the Championship to Jak Alnwick.

"I want to do my best for the team whenever I get the chance to play," said Horvath.

"We all know how historic the FA Cup is. It's kind of a no-pressure game, it doesn't count towards the league but we want to go as far as possible."

Cardiff can now look forward to a first fifth-round FA Cup tie in 11 years, with the draw to come on Monday.

Horvath will likely keep his place for remaining cup games, and he will be studying opposition penalty takers after his analysis on Rose helped him to make Saturday's crucial save.

"Before every game, as keepers we watch films [of opponents' penalties] and do our homework, try to make the best of the situation," the United States international added.

"It's not just myself, all the keepers do the homework on the opposition before every game.

"All credit to the team, we stayed together and showed how far we've come from the start of this season."

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza says he was disappointed by Stoke City fans booing Aaron Ramsey on his latest return from injury.

Stoke's supporters jeered the Wales captain every time he touched the ball during Cardiff's FA Cup win at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday, his first club appearance since August.

But the reason for such treatment from the Potters' fans was another injury, as it was at the same ground that, in 2010, Ramsey had his leg broken by then-Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross.

It was an horrific injury that kept Ramsey out for eight months, and Stoke fans have booed the former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder whenever he has returned to play there since.

"I was really surprised by that and disappointed for Aaron because it's not nice," Riza told BBC Radio Wales.

"But he's got a character big enough to deal with it. He's got a lot of people around him who care for him, a lot of people who love him.

"So a bit of booing at Stoke will only push him to be better."

Ramsey, 34, was playing for the first time since injuring his hamstring while playing for Wales last September.

He managed 63 minutes against Stoke before being replaced, as was planned beforehand.

"The qualities he's got and had over the course of his career, you could see a mile away," Riza added.

"Hopefully we can ease him in slowly and see him a lot more."

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Omer Riza expects to make changes to his starting line-up for Cardiff City's FA Cup fourth-round contest at Stoke City on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The Bluebirds are aiming to respond following a 7-0 defeat to Championship leaders Leeds United at Elland Road last weekend.

New signings Yousef Salech, Will Alves and Sivert Mannsverk are all in contention to feature against the Potters, and Riza says he will give some fringe players the opportunity to impress at the bet365 Stadium.

"We've got a good squad, I'm really happy with the squad," said Riza.

"There are players that haven't played as many minutes as we'd have liked and they'll get a chance to play on Saturday.

"So we are looking forward to the game and all of the interesting things that brings."

Stoke have appointed Mark Robins as boss since Cardiff last travelled to Staffordshire before Christmas, when Narcís Pèlach's Stoke side snatched a 2-2 draw courtesy of Ben Gibson's goal in added time.

But Riza believes Stoke's principles will not have changed under their new boss.

"It's going to be intense, aggressive and they're going to want to win," he said.

"They're always an industrious team, the crowd expect them to work hard first and foremost.

"With Robins going there, the style of play may have changed a little bit, but we're focused on ourselves to go and win the game.

"I want to win the game, and from that game, you're in the fifth round. We just want to win and keep momentum going."

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Will Fish hopes to emulate Cardiff City team-mate Andy Rinomhota in establishing himself as a key player for the Bluebirds.

Fish has made just two starts in the Championship this season after joining on a permanent deal from Manchester United in the summer.

But the 21-year-old says he will use Rinomhota as inspiration to become a first team regular having seen the midfielder become a vital player under Omer Riza after previously falling out of favour under former boss Erol Bulut.

"Every time you play for the club you're going to try and do your best. That's all I'll try and do," he said.

"It's been tough at times, but the lads in front of me have done well and the way football works, it takes one little moment to get your chance and hopefully take it.

"Fair play to Andy, you could see even when he wasn't playing he was a top professional and trained well.

"He's an obvious good example. Once he got that chance he took it and now he's probably been one of our most consistent players."

Fish is bidding to be involved as Cardiff look to return to winning ways on Saturday when they take on Stoke City in the fourth round of the FA Cup at the bet365 Stadium (15:00 GMT).

The Bluebirds saw their eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions emphatically come to an end as they were thumped 7-0 by Championship leaders Leeds United last time out - but Fish is confident Cardiff fans will see a reaction to that hammering when they take to the field at Stoke.

"It's definitely a learning experience. I think you can use it in a positive way. We've been on a really good run before that," added Fish.

"The lads were honest and spoke what they thought and we'll move on.

"I think we'll bounce back from that and you'll see a reaction on the weekend."

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Omer Riza says he was happy with his first transfer window as Cardiff City manager despite missing out on some targets.

Cardiff signed striker Yousef Salech from Swedish side Sirius for a fee believed to be at least £3m, while they brought in midfielders Sivert Mannsverk and Will Alves on loan from Ajax and Leicester City respectively.

The Bluebirds were also linked with a deadline-day move for West Bromwich Albion forward Karlan Grant, who spent last season on loan in the Welsh capital.

Despite a strong start to this campaign with the Baggies, Grant looks to have fallen down the pecking order since the return of head coach Tony Mowbray.

Rumours of a Cardiff reunion for Grant grew again when West Brom signed fellow forward Adam Armstrong on loan from Southampton late on deadline day, but Grant stayed at the Hawthorns.

Asked if there was any truth in the speculation, Riza said: "I know Karlan did really well here last season. Everyone speaks highly of him. It was all a bit late in the day, really.

"I don't like to rush transfers and get something done quickly - just because something comes up

"I heard something but there was nothing there for us. I don't want to talk on his behalf, but I think Karlan is happy where he is and wants to fight for his place, which shows the character he is. I wish him all the best."

Speaking about Monday's final day of the transfer window, Riza added: "It was quite relaxed. I was happy with what we had.

"There was potentially one I was waiting on. One went on a permanent move somewhere, another went to a club higher up the league.

"We did our work, signed diligently. I'm really happy. It was a good window. I wasn't glued to the phone or anything like that. Boys have gone out on loan, good for their development."

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Iwan Roberts has described Cardiff City loan signing Will Alves as a rising star with the potential to "go all the way".

Alves joined the Bluebirds on loan from Leicester City before Monday's transfer deadline.

Former Foxes striker Roberts says the 19-year-old is highly regarded at Leicester, where his progress has been hampered by a cruciate knee ligament injury.

"He has bags of potential [and a] fantastic attitude - a really good, honest, humble lad," Roberts told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"I spoke to [former defender] Gerry Taggart, who has worked with him in the Leicester academy.

"Leicester rated him really highly. They thought he is a similar type of player to Harvey Barnes - plays in the wide area, loads of pace, quite direct, can score a goal and create.

"But he had a really bad knee injury a couple of years ago. He hasn't played many games for Leicester and that's the reason why."

Alves suffered the knee injury when playing in an FA Youth Cup tie in December 2022.

He was just 17 at the time but had already made two senior appearances for Brendan Rodgers' Leicester side.

Alves returned to first-team football earlier this season, playing in two EFL Cup ties before making his Premier League debut against Manchester City in December.

He will now look to play regular senior football for the first time having joined Cardiff on loan for the rest of this season.

"When he first burst on the scene, Leicester were fighting to stay in the Premier League and Brendan Rodgers was reluctant to give him opportunities, which was understandable because of the situation they were in," ex-Wales international Roberts added.

"Then he did his ACL [as a result of] a horrendous tackle. But he's a real talent. He's only 19, potentially he could go all the way."

Gareth Vincent
BBC Sport Wales

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Time will tell what impact Yousef Salech, Sivert Mannsverk and Will Alves will have at Cardiff City.

But as the dust settles on the mid-season transfer window, the Bluebirds will presumably be feeling fairly happy with the work done in the last few weeks.

Omer Riza's first transfer window as a manager began with some uncertainty over what business Cardiff might do.

Riza appeared uncertain about transfer plans, with Cardiff fan groups uniting to express concerns about the "current situation at the club" on the eve of the window.

But in a message to supporters published on the club's website, chairman Mehmet Dalman described January as an "opportunity to fix some of the problems on the pitch" - and Cardiff's hierarchy have delivered new faces.

Striker Salech (above), who cost upwards of £3m, has a goal to his name already, while Mannsverk (below) brings pedigree in midfield and Alves is a highly-regarded young player who should relish the chance to play some football in the Championship.

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Cardiff fans might have hoped for more, particularly amid talk that former loanee Karlan Grant might leave West Brom before Monday's deadline, but Riza's squad looks in better shape now than it did at the end of December.

Salech is a replacement for Wilfried Kanga, whose desperate loan spell in Wales was brought to an end last month, while fellow frontman Roko Simic will hope to force his way into first-team contention having returned to Cardiff after a stint on loan at Kortrijk.

Mannsverk, who is on loan from Ajax, gives Riza a welcome option in midfield, particularly on the back of Manolis Siopis' January switch to Panathinaikos.

Siopis was perhaps the most notable exit of the window, which also saw Kion Etete head out for a temporary spell at Bolton and Michael Reindorf join Bristol Rovers on loan.

Cardiff will hope the two forwards come back stronger in pre-season after spells away, and the same goes for Joel Colwill, who is getting a taste of League One with Exeter City having thrived in League Two with Cheltenham Town in the first half of the campaign.